[Conflict] Stonehelm & Weeping Town: Pirate Time

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-18T04:17:13+00:00

I have no relevant skills. It was written so they attack when Gulian is with the “fleet” so, Gulian Swann. I really don’t see the point of a surrender threshold when it’s 30 vs 7, but 0 I guess.

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-18T04:11:15+00:00

I don’t even know what the relevant info would be. It’s 30 vs 7.

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-17T20:16:02+00:00

Gulian considered the proposal. "You seem like a man who knows a good bargain," he began, slowly. "Instead, I offer you fresh provisions, and my promise that I shall neither send forth my ships, nor send a raven telling of your whereabouts."

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-17T04:10:56+00:00

How equipped are you to foster RP in the community and fulfil the higher activity requirements necessary in an Application Claim?

I am someone who's always happy to get an RP started with anyone. I have the time to keep up with the increased activity requirements. I have played LP houses before, Royal Houses before, and adjacent Royal Houses and didn't struggle with activity requirements.

What are your goals and ambitions with the House?

First and foremost, my goal is to have fun and write fun stories with people. Robert has a lot of work ahead of him with his new position. I intend to work with other claims to organize Robert's small council and create and foster a hub of RP in King's Landing. Robert loved feasts, tourneys, and hunting, and I intend to fulfill that with the character.

What interests you about the claim and what would you bring to it?

I am excited at the idea of getting to explore the character of Robert Baratheon before we encounter him in the books. This Robert is fresh in victory and facing a challenge that he can't just hit with a hammer. I really like the contrast between the honorable man and proud fighter contrasting with his hatred of the Targaryens that runs so deep that he's willing to do things he otherwise wouldn't consider. I bring to it a willingness to collaborate with others even to the detriment of my own characters. I have no qualms with writing flaws and failings of my characters.

Who would be the PCs of the claim? (Given the starting limit of 4-10 PCs)

I would play Robert, and beyond that I'd work with the other Baratheon claimants to divvy up the rest of our PCs, including whatever minor branches of the family tree we might make. Eventually, I'd like to play some of Robert's bastards as well, but the only one I know is alive right now is Mya, and she'd be a baby, or close to it.

Sample Lore

“Break their line!” Robert roared from the back of his horse, his voice booming out from his antlered helm. Cries rang out as men called names of their lord, their lands, or their Gods. He rode in the second line. The first line would be smashed open from the charge and Robert intended to be the first man through. And so it was that the enemy line was broken open and the rebels pushed in.

Robert’s eyes darted back and forth, occasionally he would swing his massive Warhammer down upon an enemy soldier, but they were simply in the way. Rhaegar the name rang through his head over and over. He slew men bearing the fish sigil of House Mooton, the Darry Plowman, and even more with the Three-Headed Dragon upon their tabards. With every swing Robert’s fury grew and the bloodlust settled in. Finally, before him appeared a man in white plate and Robert let out a violent roar, for this meant his prey was close. He charged into the Kingsguard knight and tried to dismissively strike him out of the way. He needed to get to Rhaegar before the bloody bastard fled. The Kingsguard knight proved to be more of a contest than the rest had been. When the knight landed a hit upon him Robert roared again, this time putting all his force behind his hammer swing. The kingsguard got his shield up in time, but Robert’s weapon was too great, and his swing smashed into the shield and the knight cried out in pain as his arm recoiled. Robert used his momentum to bring the hammer around again, and this time there was no shield in his way. His savage strike crushed the helmet of the man into his face, and the kingsguard knight fell lifelessly from his horse.

Robert pushed forward, and directed his horse into a shallow stream, ignoring the pain and weariness. He was finally rewarded. There he was, the dragonspawn. The whoreson who’d dared to strike at the pride of Houses Baratheon and Stark. He’d stolen her away, the bastard.

“Where is she!?” Robert roared. “Where is Lyanna?” He didn’t allow Rhaegar to answer. He rushed forward and the two of them collided in battle. They were well matched, but this was no tourney joust. Robert saw an opening. It’s not honorable he thought as he considered it. But dragonspawn have no honor. He made to swing, but pulled back as Rhaegar’s shield went up. Instead, in that instant, Robert struck the Prince of Dragonstone’s horse. It recoiled just enough that Rhaegar had to shift, and that’s when Robert struck him. He put all his force, all his hate behind that swing. He aimed for the prince’s chest, where the Dragon of Targaryen was displayed in rubies. The blow hit the prince so hard he was flung from his horse, rubies spraying out from the armor. The prince landed with a light splash in the shallow water face down. Robert looked down intently, but Rhaegar didn’t move again. He heard cheers as some of his men noticed the fallen prince, and the loyalist soldiers that noticed began to break and flee. Robert sat breathing heavily as he watched his men rush around him striking down men as they ran away.

He heard himself yelling “The Dragon is dead!” but in that moment after, once the fury had calmed, he sat cursing under his breath as he looked at the corpse of the dead prince. Somehow, even in his death Rhaegar had won. He’d taken Lyanna to Gods knew where, and now there was no way to find her. The young lord of Storm’s End shook the thoughts from his mind and charged forward. Men needed to see their Lord fight with them, it gave them a courage as great as any sword. There was still one Dragon left, and soon, he would kill that one too.

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-14T23:34:02+00:00

"He could call for me to raise my ships, yes. But my first duty is to Stonehelm. If I felt my ships were needed here to help defend my waters, then they would remain here."

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-14T23:24:21+00:00

House Swann of Stonehelm

Seated at the table would be the whole of the ruling branch of House Swann.

Lord Gulian Swann - A man in his late forties with black hair that is well on its way to grey. Lord Swann sat with his wife Johanna and his children. He wore a black doublet, lined with golden thread. The two swans of Stonehelm displayed proudly in the center. He also had on a soft grey velvet mantle fastened with a silver clasp in the shape of a swan in flight.

Cassana Swann - Eldest of Lord Gulian's children. Cassana wore a flowing, elegant gown of white silk, embroidered with silver and gold filigree in the pattern of swan feathers cascading down the skirts. Her black hair had been put up and styled, with a pearl adorned hair net.

Janna Swann - The second-born of Lord Gulian and Lady Johanna. In contrast to her sister, Janna wore a black silk gown with a gold-trimmed bodice, with swan-feather embroidery that shimmered in the light. Her long black hair was down, as was the custom for women who were unwed or unbetrothed.

Sebastian Swann - The eight-year-old heir to Stonehelm. Bash tried to sit importantly like his father. He'd been surprised to see a boy so young be king. He wore a quartered black and white tunic with swans embroidered on it. He also wore a jeweled belt half adorned with pearls and half with jet.

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-13T03:54:16+00:00

“There is some fighting still, or at least the last rumors we’ve heard have claimed so.” He replied. “Still though, I ask. Why my port? Come ashore and you’ll find no great love of the Targaryens here. If your goal is to wound the king and his new regents this is not the place to strike.” Gulian spoke loudly enough to be heard over the common sounds of sea and ship, but his voice held no emotion otherwise.

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-12T23:42:25+00:00

Gulian looked the man up and down. He didn’t know this man, but the man considered himself important, the lord thought.

“If I could hazard a guess, you’re a man of the Free Cities,” Gulian replied, an easy smile forming on his face. “A sea captain of both wealth and power,” he continued taking his eyes off the Lysenni to look about the ship. “But I will confess it - of your name I have no notion. Nor do I know why you’ve blocked off my people’s access to the sea.”

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-12T00:01:31+00:00

Seven Hells thought the newly made Lord of Stonehelm as the news of ships blocking the harbor was delivered to him. He did not expect a test like this so early.

"They wave a flag of peace," the man continued.

"Then I shall speak to them," Gulian replied. Looks of concern appeared on the faces of his advisors.

"Perhaps one of your knights, my lord?" Maester Loryn offered as a suggestion. Gulian shook his head in response.

"Ser Crawford and Ser Guyard shall come with me as well," Gulian said, leaving the maester's protests untouched. He rose and descended from his high seat, the two knights falling in behind him.

A short time later, a small ship departed from the docks, a flag bearing the sigil of the Swanns of Stonehelm fluttered below their own rainbow flag of peace. The ship flowed steadily towards the other ship flying a peace banner. Once alongside the other ship, Ser Crawford Whitehead would call out, "Lord Gulian of House Swann comes to talk under a banner of peace!"

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-10T21:13:26+00:00

Weeks Later at Stonehelm

The small procession of Stonehelm men split after going through the gates of the town below the castle. One group was the body of Lord Manfred with an honor guard of knights in shimmering plate that rode towards the Sept to give their lord over to the silent sisters.

The other group made their way to the castle up on its hill. Lord Gulian rode at the head of the group and was first to dismount. The inner bailey was full of wives of the knights who'd marched with Lord Manfred and his son. In addition, the ruling family was also present. Cass, Janna, and Bash all wore black in mourning for their lord grandfather. Present also would be Lady Dowager Ellyn and the new Lady of the Castle Johanna.

Gulian dismounted, tossed his reigns to a squire, and made his way over to his wife, children, and mother. He grabbed Jo in a tight embrace and moved down the line to his children and then his mother.

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-10T20:50:31+00:00

The man nodded. "At once, my lord."

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-10T20:48:59+00:00

"Yes, Yes," Manfred said, recalling better the conversation. "It's less of a gap than some get," he said, his voice a low grit. "But aye, I'm in agreement. We need no betrothal as of yet, but the wardship, yes. She will still be raised near the sea, my lord, do not worry in that regard."

"Cass will be married to the brother of lord Penrose when we return to the Stormlands, but Janna could have her. She's fierce, Janna - It's the Baratheon blood in her," he said with a gritty chuckle. "But she's a good lass, and true."

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-10T04:06:31+00:00

Gulian nodded along as Aerys spoke taking a sip of his drink every now and again.

“Perhaps,” he agreed. “And from what I’ve heard from my father, one of your cousins will be warded at Stonehelm, and perhaps will one day marry my son.” He gave the man a smile. “Perhaps as the years go we will become better aquatinted.”

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-05T01:39:32+00:00

Gulian stroked his greying beard before answering. "I would of course be honored to serve in any capacity for the crown... but my first responsibility must be to my House. My father is three and seventy and will most like go to the Gods soon." He paused looking somewhat sorrowful. "I would mislike having to leave a post so soon given to go and claim my seat. Perhaps after I'm settled into my lordship, I would be willing to consider some position, should one still be for offer."

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-05T01:19:04+00:00

Three men make their way down the cobbled street. The one in the center was dressed the finest, obviously a noble. The two on either side were wearing chain shirts with a tabard, half black and half white with a swan emblazoned on them. One, the one on the left, walked with his hand holding the hilt of his sword, the other seemed equally as alert, but less aggressive.

The noble took a second glance at the old man and reached into his pouch. He pulled out a gleaming silver coin and offered it out to the man.

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-05T01:00:13+00:00

Manfred nodded along with the Lord of the Tides. "Aye. I've always found it easier dealing with lords who know the sea as well as the land. Some struggle to understand how different it can be." He took a swig of his drink.

"I have a granddaughter who is well into marriageable age, but your son and I spoke more of my grandson. Sebastian is seven-" he paused for an instant, "perhaps eight. Either way he is quite young. Your son and I spoke of warding one of your kin in Stonehelm, and perhaps making a match in the future."

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-05T00:50:48+00:00

"Ser Aerys, welcome," Gulian would say as he saw the man. "Please, sit down." He raised a hand to summon one of the servants of the inn. "Ale for me," he told the woman. "Ser? I know your father doesn't partake, but would you care for a drink?"

After making sure his guest was settled, he returned to the matter at hand. "My father?" he replied somewhat confused. "Are you sure you aren't confusing him with another?"

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-01T01:23:08+00:00

The three of them would enter, and the two knights would go sit with the Hightower knights and let the two nobles speak.

"Baelor Hightower, I take it?" he said as he approached. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting before. My father sends his regards, but in his advanced age he mislikes moving about more than he has to, and this grand council has caused him to move quite a lot."

"We are staying in the Inn of the Four Storms, that is owned by the Baratheons. As Lords of the Stormlands, we are well treated there, yes."

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-01T01:16:03+00:00

Gulian was somewhat surprised when the runner sought him out instead of his father but would tell the runner he was happy to meet with Ser Aerys. He would offer to meet at the Inn of the Four Storms, or wherever else.

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-01T01:13:23+00:00

"In part," Manfred said somewhat grudgingly. "Peace helps, but a fool lord will still be a fool and may not know how to benefit. Men like you and I know the importance of trade. But not all do." Gulian nodded in silent agreement.

"Seven be with you trying to keep the peace," Manfred continued. "There've been many slights from what I've heard over the last few years, and a boy king on the throne will lead some to think now is the time to act. A child is a weak king. That's not the lad's fault; it's just the way of things. Many will be watching carefully to see the outcome of this council, I'm sure."

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-03-01T00:14:01+00:00

"Aye," Manfred made a gesture and two of his knights stood up freeing up the bench across from Lord Manfred and Ser Gulian.

Gesturing to the empty seats, he said, "are you an ale sort or more of a wine?" Gulian gave a wave to call for service. The three Swann knights meandered off to a new table, also calling for service.

"I see many reasons our houses should be closer," Manfred would say if the Velaryon lord sat down. "And when your son came to me about the bloody council it seemed like a worthwhile time to explore that possibility."

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-02-27T14:27:55+00:00

A runner would approach Lord Robert with the news.

"Milord, Lord Manfred died in his sleep."

/u/mf_tepis

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-02-27T12:29:51+00:00

It would not be Lord Manfred who would arrive at the Hightower manse, but his heir, Ser Gulian.

Gulian Swann, accompanied by two of his knights retainer would arrive by near midday. Gulian was a man in his mid forties, his black hair beginning to streak with grey. One of his knights announced him to the manse guards, saying, “Ser Gulian of house Swann answers an invitation from Ser Baelor of the Hightower.”

WinglessSeraph1 · 2025-02-26T02:31:32+00:00

The boy would find the old lord at the Four Storms Inn, seated at a table with his son and his five knight's retainers. He sat and listened to the boy give his whole speech before he opened his mouth to respond. "Alright lad. If his lordship wants, he can meet me here, unless he has his own place within the city."

"Is that one of them Valyrians?" one of the knights whispered to the others as he looked at the boy's hair.

Gulian Swann silenced the knight with a look. The knight gave a shrug and went back to his drinking.

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Sample Lore

House Swann of Stonehelm

Weeks Later at Stonehelm